Levels and Determinants of Antenatal Breastfeeding Attitudes among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding attitudes are strong predictors of breastfeeding behavior. Gaining a deeper understanding on the levels and determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes is crucial. This cross-sectional study involved 124 pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. A self-administered questionnaire, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire were assessed during their first-trimester, second-trimester, and third-trimester hospital visit. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify the determinants of breastfeeding attitudes. The participants reported neutral (56.39 ± 5.69) levels of breastfeeding attitudes. The determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes were other family members’ support for exclusive breastfeeding: moderate (β = 0.278, p < 0.05), depressive symptoms (β = −0.191, p < 0.05), and breastfeeding knowledge (β = 0.434, p < 0.001). The variables explained 33.9% (adjusted R2) of the total variation in breastfeeding attitudes scores (F = 4.507, p < 0.001). Namely, other family members’ support for EBF was a negative influence on positive breastfeeding attitudes. The women whose other family members were moderate of EBF had more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding compared to those whose other family members were very supportive of EBF. The depressive symptoms were negatively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, and lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of positive breastfeeding attitudes among pregnant women. Additionally, breastfeeding knowledge was positively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes. The more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, the more positive the attitude towards breastfeeding. Health professionals should identify these modifiable factors that may contribute to poorer breastfeeding attitudes, which is useful in targeting promotions of breastfeeding.

The Effect of Breastfeeding Education in a Family Health Center on Breastfeeding Attitudes and Behavior

“…In one study, similar to our finding, the mothers' scale mean score was high and showed that their attitudes were positive (13). But in another research it was found that about one in five women had positive attitudes toward breastfeeding, while the majority had neutral attitudes (14).…”

Model development of early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive preparation

“…The results of the statistical test obtained a value of p=0.000. Based on the results data in Table 6, the success of EBI is influenced by several factors, one of which is the role of family support plays a significant role in the delivery process, culture and family support, especially the husband, to provide a boost of mental strength to pregnant women and their awareness to carry out EBI [37]- [39].…”